Malware: also known as Malicious Software, is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent. Malware includes computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, most rootkits, spyware, dishonest adware, crimeware and other unwanted software. Malware can make computers sluggish, display random pop-ups, changing homepages, create computer crashes and other things. To help fight malware you should follow some basic steps:
1. Install a good firewall. Zonealarm is a good one.
2. Install Anti-Virus software. There are many free ones out there, like AVG.
3. Keep your operating system up to date. If you use Windows, let it download the latest updates.
4. Backup your data.
5. Make sure your browser is secure. I recommend Firefox.
6. Secure your email client.
7. Use real time Spyware protection. Spybot Search and Destroy is a good free program.
8. Use a HOSTS file. If you don't know what this is, Google it and learn more about it.
9. Use common sense. Don't take the bait and click on just any random popup ad.
10. Be carefull when using file sharing programs.
11. Never open email attachments that are of unknown origin. Only open those of which you trust.
No matter what you do, you are never 100% safe, but with some of these tips and common sense you can minimize the effects of malware.
